Treating Lower Back Pain After a Car Accident

For many people who are involved in a car accident, ongoing lower back pains can be a true concern. If you are suffering from lower back pain from a car accident, workplace incident or any other cause, here are some tips for managing the pain.

Tip #1: Chill It Vs. Heating It

Placing ice on the injury within the first 24 to 48 hours can help to reduce inflammation. After those first 48 hours, you may want to switch to eat in order to help relax the muscles. Whether you are heating or icing the area, you should only apply it for 20 minutes at a time in order to give your skin a rest.

Tip #2: Stay Active

While it may be tempting to simply sit around and rest, staying active will help to get past the back pain. Obviously, you should not overdo it, but you should still try to complete your regular daily tasks. Once your back starts to feel better, aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming and bicycling can be helpful. As the pain starts to recede, work on building those muscles that help to support your lower back. Having strong pelvic, hip and abdominal muscles will help to give your back more support.

Tip #3: Stretch

Sitting slumped in a chair all day will only serve to aggravate your back further. Be sure to get up every 20 minutes or so and stretch your back muscles for relief. Stretching your legs can also be beneficial. Adding a regular stretching routine, such as yoga, to your day can help to alleviate pain while preventing problems in the future.